Mountains in Texas?
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (Fabaceae), to most Texans commonly known as the ‘Texas mountain laurel’, is a small, evergreen tree that is planted in various regions of Texas and northern Mexico. Its fragrant purple flowers, which are aggregated into long racemes, and its comparatively high drought tolerance make this plant a popular ornamental plant. Springtime visitors of central Texas (e.g., Austin or San Antonio) have certainly seen this plant in and around city parks and near public buildings. While the reddish seeds are highly poisonous, the flowers have a peculiar smell, which (to me) is reminiscent of grape soda.
Michael Gruenstaeudl inspecting a raceme of Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Close-up of a raceme of Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Despite having lived in Texas for many years, I have never found out the origin for this plant’s common name. In fact, ‘Texas mountain laurel’ is a rather unusual name for an area such as central Texas, which may be hilly (and, thus, referred to as the ‘Hill country’) but not exactly blessed with many mountains. Nonetheless, Dermatophyllum secundiflorum is a beautiful – and in spring time fragrant – plant.
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